"The Razorbacks are prepared to make their next coach the highest-paid in the SEC, according to sources close to the program, and budget will not be an issue," La Canfora wrote.

La Canfora also cited NFL sources as saying Gruden "has made calls identifying possible staff members with his focus seeming more on the college game, asking questions of those potential staffers about recruiting and issues that do not relate to pro football."

John L. Smith has led Arkansas to a 4-7 record as interim coach after Bobby Petrino was fired, but is not expected to be retained. Petrino was ousted after it was discovered he was having an affair with a 25-year-old employee.